Easy Recipe For Sugared Cranberries

One of the best things about this sugared cranberry recipe is that you can make it to have these tangy little gems on hand when you need them! Whether using them as a garnish, on your next charcuterie board, or even as a tasty snack, your friends and family will love this simple treat. 

Are you a fan of cranberries? If so, you will want to give this Homemade Spiced Pear Sauce With Cranberries and these Turkey Leftover Sandwiches with Cranberry Sauce a try next time. 

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

• Handheld Snack: The sweet sugar coating adds sweetness to the tart cranberries, making them the perfect poppable treat.
• Great Homemade Gift: These sugared cranberries can be given as gifts when placed in a pretty bag or with a ribbon and bow. 
• Makes A Good Drink: Plus, they also work great in holiday cocktails like this Christmas Morning Mimosa. 

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient Notes:

• Fresh Cranberries
• White Granulated Sugar
• Water

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

• Citrus Flavor: For a little burst of citrus flavor, add a little lemon, lime, or orange zest to your sugar. 
• Vanilla: A half teaspoon of vanilla added to the hot syrup will give these cranberries a little flavor boost. You will need to use clear vanilla. 

How to Make Sugared Cranberries (step-by-step directions)

Step 1: Combine 1 cup of sugar and 1 cup of water in a pot and bring to a boil. Boil for about 60 seconds until all the sugar dissolves.

Step 2: Once the time is up, remove the pot from the heat and allow the mixture to cool for 2 minutes.

Step 3: Afterwards, add the cranberries to the pot and gently stir to coat them evenly in the sugar mixture.

Step 4: Use a slotted spoon to scoop the cranberries out of the pot; hold it over the pot because the excess liquid will drop off. Then, spread them out on the prepared parchment paper.

Step 5: Place 1 cup of sugar in a medium bowl. Add a small batch of the cranberries (about a fourth of them) to the bowl and toss gently until the cranberries are completely coated in sugar.

Step 6: And, then use another slotted spoon to remove them from the bowl.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Cranberries: Make sure the cranberries are fresh, firm, and free of any soft spots or blemishes.
• Cool the Syrup: Allow the sugar syrup to cool slightly before adding the cranberries. If it is too hot, the cranberries may burst.
• Work in Small Batches: When coating the cranberries with sugar, work in small batches to evenly coat them and prevent clumping.
• Use Separate Spoons: Use a wet spoon and a dry spoon so that the sugar doesn’t clump up on the cranberries.
• Allow Drying Time: Don’t rush the drying process. Because this will help the sugar stick and not slide off. You can also return them to the baking sheet to dry after rolling them in the sugar, which can help prevent the sugar from sliding off.

Storing Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cranberries in an airtight container for up to 3 days; if they lose some of their sugar, just toss them in sugar again.
• Freezing: These sugared cranberries can also be frozen for later use. First, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. After they are solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions

One of my favorite ways to use these bite-sized treats is to put them on top of this Winter Wonderland Cake or Eggnog Pudding Shots. They will also add a pop of color to these Grinch Shots.

Recipe FAQs

Need More Christmas Recipes? Try These:

• Christmas Rolo Pretzel Bites
• Eggnog Pudding Shots
• Grinch Shots (Easy 2-Ingredient Christmas Cocktail)
• Christmas Sugar Cookie Shot
• Garlic And Orange Christmas Chicken
• See all our Christmas Recipes!